Our history as a people (Am Yisrael) is long and filled with moments of great suffering and moments of great achievement. Our story really begins with the Book of Exodus. Genesis is the story of one family. Exodus is the story of how that family becomes a people, who descend into slavery, rise up to liberation and freedom, and begin their development into a free people.
One of the reasons our rabbis give to explain why the Israelites were worthy of Divine attention and liberation is that they kept their Hebrew names. Perhaps that is why we call Exodus, Sefer Shmot in Hebrew, the Book of Names. To keep your Hebrew name means that you have sustained your intimate, personal connection to the Jewish tradition. No matter how difficult life was for the Israelite slaves, they never lost their Jewish identity.
In difficult times, when Jew hatred seems to be acceptable, it is tempting to think that hiding our identity will keep us safe. This week’s Torah portion says that keeping that identity is a source of strength and freedom. Let’s remember that lesson in the days and months ahead.
Shemot, Exodus 1:1-6:1, Parashat Hashavua for Shabbat January 6, 2024
January 5, 2024 by Dean Kertesz • Drashot
Our history as a people (Am Yisrael) is long and filled with moments of great suffering and moments of great achievement. Our story really begins with the Book of Exodus. Genesis is the story of one family. Exodus is the story of how that family becomes a people, who descend into slavery, rise up to liberation and freedom, and begin their development into a free people.
One of the reasons our rabbis give to explain why the Israelites were worthy of Divine attention and liberation is that they kept their Hebrew names. Perhaps that is why we call Exodus, Sefer Shmot in Hebrew, the Book of Names. To keep your Hebrew name means that you have sustained your intimate, personal connection to the Jewish tradition. No matter how difficult life was for the Israelite slaves, they never lost their Jewish identity.
In difficult times, when Jew hatred seems to be acceptable, it is tempting to think that hiding our identity will keep us safe. This week’s Torah portion says that keeping that identity is a source of strength and freedom. Let’s remember that lesson in the days and months ahead.